By Dr. Gary Goberville
Worldwide, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of preventable blindness and has the attention of the World Health Organization.
In its early stages, there is no pain or other symptoms. According to the National Eye Institute, 2.7 million people in the US have glaucoma – 50% know it, 50% don’t!
Glaucoma tends to run in families: If you have a close relative who has glaucoma then you should have an eye test at regular intervals and advise other members of your family to do the same. It is estimated that approximately 2% of people over the age of 40 will have glaucoma. 13% of those on the blind register have glaucoma of some type. Afro-Caribbeans are more at risk of glaucoma and it may come on somewhat earlier
It is permanent. However, with regular comprehensive eye exams, early detection and treatment can slow down or even halt the process, reducing the risk of blindness. Treatments may save remaining vision, but do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma. You can lose a considerable amount of sight irretrievably before you are aware of any problem.
Though a measurement of eye pressure by tonometry is an important part of a comprehensive eye exam, it is not sufficient for the detection of glaucoma by itself. A visual field test should also be performed and an eye care professional should also look inside your eyes to check for signs of the disease. Ensure you have a regular comprehensive eye exam even if you are not experiencing vision or eye problems.
Dr. Gary Goberville, Optometric Physician
Eye Site Vision Center, 2344 N. University Dr. Coral?Springs
954-344-3937 • www.eyesitevision.com